Press

Soft Targets and Staying Safe at Crowded Events

Denver ABC 7 | May 23, 2017

At most large event centers, metal detectors and bag checks are the norm. The problem is with the unsecured areas.

“There’s always targets that are prior to any of the security,” explained Grant Whitus a former Jefferson County SWAT team leader.

“They know once they start these attacks it’s very unlikely they’ll be stopped immediately and they’ll be able to wound and kill as many people as they possibly can,” said Whitus.

Known as so called soft targets, Whitus said they are easy locations for terrorists to attack and exist everywhere.

“These things aren’t going to stop ever, or anywhere — they’re going to be in England, they’re going to be in the United States,” he said.

If you plan to attend a crowded concert this summer, Whitus said to be aware and watch for anything suspicious.

“Look for someone in the summer that’s wearing a coat, a bulky coat, why does he have that on does he have a weapon or does he have explosives,” he said. “Do something, don’t just stare at the person and say this is going to turn out ok.”